Thoughts from a Lab Rat

First off, it is important to clarify that every clinic has its own policies for determining the amount that each study compensates and how it is paid. In general, the sponsor determines the compensation amount. The clinic decides how it will be paid. The majority of the clinics I have been to operate on a completion system. This means that they will offer a rate for nights spent in house and additional rates for any phone calls or follow up visits. Then there will be an additional amount that is paid if all parts of the study were completed based on the requirements of the study. If your study has a follow up visit and you miss it, then you will only be paid for the nights that you spent in house because you did not complete the study.

It is important to remember that the amount advertised is the maximum amount you can receive provided you complete all parts of the study. Case in point, most clinics clearly state “up to” such and such amount. It is also important to note that when follow up visits are scheduled, you must be there at that time and day. Again, missing a follow up visit can eliminate your completion payment and if you’re in the middle of a study, you can be disqualified from continuing the study.

There are other factors that may reduce your overall compensation. Many clinics use negative reinforcement. In order to provide the most accurate results, every subject in a study must complete the study in the same manner. In order to reinforce this idea, clinics will fine you if you fail to follow the rules and guidelines of the study. Obviously, most people don’t like having money taken away from them so they follow the rules to the T.

A big question many subjects have is how the compensation is determined. Is it based on the projected severity of the side-effects? Is it based on the amount of blood draws? Or the amount of procedures? Usually, it’s all of the above. All of these points are taken into consideration when coming up with the appropriate compensation.

A special THANK YOU to all of you who have mentioned my name and or my site to research clinics! Over the past few months, I have been receiving some referrals from various clinics and Sprint! Unfortunately, I’m not told who the referrers are, so I say thank you to all! I am glad everyone (for the most part) likes my site. I am a bit behind on the bi-annual update but I’ll get er done soon!

Keep a sharp eye out for the studies. There’s plenty out there but they fill up extremely fast!